Hear from people on both sides of the issue

BOISE -- The Mexican government has applied to open a U.S. consulate in Boise.

It's a controversial plan and we've already received several e-mails opposed to idea.

One of the main issues of contention is the identification cards that consulates give to illegal immigrants.  Those cards help immigrants open bank accounts and rent apartments.

A Meridian woman, who asked not to be identified, says the matricula consular cards also help Mexican immigrants get a job.

“I don't think illegals should have any right to be here and take jobs away from Idahoans or any us citizen.  They have no permission to be here and I think a Mexican consulate here in Boise is just aiding and abetting that crime,” said a Meridian resident.

But Olivia Prado is a local restaurant owner and Mexican immigrant who came to the U.S. 27 years ago.

She says the consulate will provide many services to legal immigrants too, and provides limited help to illegals.

“It’s a good thing because then we have somebody to help people, right now we don't have nobody, lot of people that don't like us, we work hard for everybody, so I think it's easy, we can have somebody to help our people,” said Prado.

Prado says a consulate in Boise will help many Mexicans avoid a long and costly trip to Salt Lake City, the location of the nearest Mexican consulate.